MMR Vaccination

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella
(German measles). These diseases can be extremely serious. Before vaccinations were
available, many children died from them. If people stop getting vaccinated, the
diseases could come back.

Getting Vaccinated

Children need two doses of the MMR vaccine for protection.
The first is usually given between the ages of 12 and 15 months. The second is
given when children are 4 to 6 years old. However, the second dose can be given
as soon as 28 days after the first.

Anyone born after 1956 who wasn’t vaccinated as a child,
should get at least one dose of MMR as an adult. The only exception would be
individuals who have had all three diseases.

The MMRV vaccine combines the MMR and varicella vaccines.
Therefore, it also protects against chickenpox. However, the risk of side
effects is higher than with separate shots. This is true even if the shots are
given at the same visit.

Who Should Not Get Vaccinated?

Certain people should not get the MMR vaccine. This includes
anyone who:

is
allergic to the antibiotic neomycin

is allergic
to another component of the vaccine

has
had a serious reaction to a previous dose of MMR or MMRV

People with immune system deficiencies should talk to their
doctors about the risks of vaccination. They may want to skip the vaccine.

In addition, certain people may want to delay vaccination.
This includes people who:

have recently
received a blood transfusion

have
been vaccinated within the previous four weeks

are
pregnant

are
currently moderately to severely ill

Potential Side Effects

Serious side effects from the MMR vaccine are extremely
rare. Most people who receive the vaccine have no side effects. When side
effects do occur, they are usually mild. They include:

fever
(common)

mild
rash (common)

swollen
glands

seizure

joint
pain or stiffness (common)

serious
allergic reactions (very rare)

There is no evidence that getting three separate vaccines is
safer than getting the combined vaccine.